US20140229015A1 - Tool and method for dynamic configuration and implementation of device firmware utilizing defined components - Google Patents
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
- G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
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Definitions
- This patent document generally relates to building automation systems and devices and more particularly to a tool and method for configuring, upgrading and interacting with one or more building automation devices adapted for operation within a building automation system.
- Known building automation systems are typically designed to monitor, report and control the environmental and/or safety conditions within a structure. For example, in order to maintain the temperature at a desired set point, the building automation system may drive one or more environmental control devices to a steady state condition centered on the set point. In order to perform this task, one or more building automation devices must be programmed and/or configured with firmware that provides the instructions and parameters necessary to achieve the desired functionality.
- Building automation systems often employ a large number of these building automation devices in order to perform the required monitoring and control functions for a structure and/or a group of structures.
- Each of these individual building automation devices or class of building automation devices requires firmware and configuration to ensure operation and to provide the desired functionality.
- the firmware utilized by these building automation devices is configured as a single interconnected block of instruction making it difficult to modify any given portion. For example, in order to add or change functionality of one of the building automation devices, the entire firmware package must typically be modified and uploaded. The large number of devices operating within the building automation system further exacerbates this limitation.
- any desired firmware customization numerous variants of firmware that must be tracked and maintained by the user to address the differences in device vendors or capabilities.
- a method of dynamic configuration of a device includes: defining a configuration file related to the functionality of the device wherein the configuration file identifies one or more standardized components stored in communication with the device; transferring the configuration file to a dynamic configurator tool operable within the device; initializing the device according to the dynamic configurator tool and the configuration file wherein the dynamic configurator tool retrieves the one or more standardized components identified by the configuration file; generating an executable file for the device based on the one or more standardized components identified by the configuration file; and operating the device utilizing the generated executable file.
- a controller configured to implement a dynamically configured user application to operate a building automation device for use in a building automation system.
- the controller includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor.
- the memory is configured to store processor-executable instructions which are, in turn, configured to: receive, at the building automation device, a configuration file that identifies a leaf component stored in communication with the building automation device; initiate a dynamic configuration tool, wherein the dynamic configuration tool retrieves the leaf component identified by the configuration file from an accessible store location and configures the leaf component for operation according to the definitions provided in the configuration file; generate an executable file for implementation by the building automation device based on at least the leaf component; and execute the building automation device utilizing the generated executable file.
- a method of configuring a building automation device for use in a building automation system includes: storing a defined configuration file in a building automation device wherein the configuration file is accessible by a dynamic configurator tool; activating the dynamic configurator tool wherein the dynamic configurator tool retrieves and configures the at least one standardized component defined by the configuration file; generating a user application for execution by the building automation device wherein the user application is based on the at least one standardized component; and operating the building automation device utilizing the generated user application.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary building automation system configured to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary device operable within the building automation system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary controller configured to implement the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary application assembled utilizing an exemplary dynamic configuration tool
- FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary application assembled utilizing an exemplary dynamic configuration tool
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing the operation of the dynamic configurator tool and system.
- the disclosed tool, method and system for dynamically configuring and upgrading automation devices within a building automation system provides solutions and capabilities in excess of the known systems described above.
- the disclosed tool, method and system provide a streamlined process for updating the firmware and software executing on one or more automation devices.
- utilizing the disclosed dynamic configurator tool allows for discrete updating of the firmware and software to include bug fixes, additional features or any other desired upgrade without the need to generate (and maintain) an entire block of firmware and software.
- the flexibility afforded by the disclosed dynamic configurator tool provides a mechanism and method by which a wide range of devices may be supported and configured.
- the disclosed dynamic configurator tool is scalable across systems of varying sizes and complexities without compromising the flexibility and maintainability inherently provided.
- the disclosed method and system for configuring and upgrading automation devices utilize well-defined components having equally well-defined interfaces.
- the strict definitions under which these components are constructed allow the dynamic configuration tool to select, configure and interact with individual components based on the definition and structure provided by a configuration file.
- the structure of the configuration file provides a mechanism by which individual components can be assembled and combined to create one or more new compound or composed components.
- the components Upon assembly by the dynamic configuration tool, the components form the firmware and instructions to be executed by the automation devices.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary building control system 100 that may incorporate and implement the tool and method for dynamic configuration disclosed herein.
- the exemplary control system 100 may be the APOGEE® building management system provided by Siemens Industry Inc., Building Technologies Division (“Siemens”).
- the control system 100 includes a management level network (MLN) 102 in communication with both an automation level network (ALN) 104 and a peripheral or field level network (FLN) 106 .
- the field level network 106 further includes multiple wired peripheral buses 106 a to 106 n.
- the exemplary management level network 102 is shown in communication with one or more workstation or terminal 108 .
- the workstation 108 may be an INSIGHT® Advanced Workstation provided by Siemens and may be configured to interface with and provide user controls to the building control system 100 .
- the workstation 108 may further provide scheduling and operational control of the various mechanical and electrical equipment coupled to the building control system 100 .
- Information, data and alert generated throughout the building control system 100 may be communicated via the networks 102 to 106 for compilation and analysis at the workstation 108 . Additional workstations may access and share information received and stored by the workstation 108 for greater flexibility.
- the building control system 100 may further be accessed via a web interface 110 such as an APOGEE GO® for INSIGHT® interface provided by Siemens.
- the web interface 110 provides a clientless means of accessing and viewing critical information gathered by the building control system 100 .
- the web interface 110 may, in one or more embodiments, remotely control device and elements of the building control system 100 in real or near-real time over the Intranet or Internet.
- the functionality provided by the web interface 110 includes, but is not limited to, monitoring alarms, overriding and establishing command set points and other control parameters, creating and editing operation schedules and reporting functionality.
- a wireless interface 112 may further be utilized to provide access to the building control system 100 and the workstation 108 .
- the wireless interface 112 may, in one exemplary embodiment, utilize IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) protocol to communicate and interface with the automation level network 102 .
- WiFi IEEE 802.11
- the wireless interface 112 provides additional configuration and set-up flexibility to the building control system 100 by eliminating the need to provide a physical network infrastructure to access the automation level network 102 or other element of the building control system 100 .
- HMI human machine interfaces
- reduced function human machine interfaces 116 may further be utilized to provide access and control to one or more functions of the building control system 100 .
- These interfaces 114 , 116 may be configured to provide access to specific mechanical and/or electrical systems operating within the building control system 100 .
- these interfaces 114 , 116 may provide access to the entire building control system 100 either directly or through the workstation 108 and/or the web interface 110 .
- the automation level network 104 couples to and is in communication with multiple field panels or automation devices 118 a to 118 n .
- the field panels may be a PXC Compact and/or a PXC Modular field panels provided by Siemens.
- the automation devices 118 a to 118 n may be configured to receive and organize signals exchanged between wired field devices 122 a to 122 n and translate, those signals into data for communication to, for example, the workstation 108 .
- the exemplary wired field devices 122 a to 122 n may be sensors, actuators, drives, equipment controllers and other building control devices or sensors. In this configuration, data from these field devices 122 a to 122 n can be instantly viewable, programmable and actionable at the workstation 108 and/or via the web interface 110 .
- the automation level network 104 further includes or communicates with a wireless field panel 120 arranged to wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless field devices 124 a to 124 n . Similar to the wired field devices 122 a to 122 n , the wireless field devices 124 a to 124 n may be sensors, actuators, drives, equipment controllers and other building control devices or sensors.
- the automation device 118 b in this exemplary embodiment, includes a wireless transceiver 126 allowing it to act as a wireless bridge between the wired infrastructure of the automation level network 104 and one or more of the wireless field device 124 a to 124 n.
- the wireless field panel 120 and/or the automation device 118 b may cooperate to establish a wireless field level network 128 portion of the field level network 106 .
- the wireless field level network 128 may be an independent network in communication with the automation level network 104 and the management level network 102 .
- the wireless field level network 128 may be a sub-network and an integral portion of the field level network 106 .
- the wireless field level network 128 may be established as a wireless mesh network consisting one or more nodes or groups of wireless field device 124 a to 124 n that communicate to each other via wireless links that are independent of the wireless field panel 120 .
- the mesh configuration provides a wireless field level network 128 that offers enhanced flexibility and redundancy by enabling information or signals to hop among different paths between the wireless field device 124 a to 124 n before reaching the wireless field panel 120 or automation device 118 b .
- the redundant communication paths enable a high level of reliability by allowing to the network 128 to adjust to potential communication link disruptions.
- the wireless field device 124 a to 124 n may be, for example, IEEE 802.15.4 (ZIGBEE®) compliant devices.
- the phrases “coupled with”, “in communication with” and “connected to” are defined to mean components arranged to directly or indirectly exchange information, data and commands through one or more intermediate components.
- the intermediate components may include both hardware and software based components.
- the phrase “operatively coupled” is defined to mean two or more devices configured to share resources or information either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate components.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the automation device 118 a configured to implement and utilized the dynamic configuration tool and principles disclosed herein.
- the automation device 118 a (referred to hereinafter as simply the automation device 118 ) includes a controller 200 .
- the controller 200 includes a processor 202 , such as, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics-processing unit (GPU), or both.
- the processor hardware may incorporate one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data.
- the controller 200 includes a memory 204 coupled to and/or in communication with the processor 202 .
- the memory 204 can be divided or segmented into, for example, a main memory, a static memory, and a dynamic memory.
- the memory 204 includes, but may not be limited to, computer readable storage media and various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media such as: random access memory (RAM) 204 a ; read-only memory (ROM) 204 b ; programmable read-only memory; electrically programmable read-only memory; electrically erasable read-only memory; flash memory; magnetic tape or disk; optical media and the like (collectively identified by the reference numeral 204 c ).
- the memory 204 includes a cache or random access memory for the processor 202 .
- the memory 204 may be system memory that is separated and/or distinct from the processor 202 .
- the memory 204 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc (“CD”), digital video disc (“DVD”), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus (“USB”) memory device, or any other device operative to store data.
- the memory 204 is configured to store processor-executable instructions utilizable by the processor 202 .
- the functions, acts or tasks described may be performed by the processor 202 executing instructions stored in the memory 204 .
- the functions, acts or tasks may be independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination.
- processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.
- the controller 200 may further communicate with a local HMI connection 206 .
- the local HMI connection 206 is, in turn, configured to connect to and couple with a display (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information.
- the local HMI connection 206 may further couple to and communicate with an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a touchscreen, touchpad or the like.
- the display acts as a visual interface for the user to see the functioning of the processor 202 and interact with the software including the processor-executable instructions stored in the memory 204 .
- the input device provides a means by which the user can interact with and control the functioning of the processor 202 based on commands to the software including the processor-executable instructions stored in the memory 204 .
- the controller 200 may further communicate with wired peripheral bus connections 208 a to 208 n associated with the one or more multiple wired peripheral buses 106 a to 106 n . These connections 208 a to 208 n can provide a one-for-one connection for each of the wired peripheral buses 106 a to 106 n . In another embodiment, each connection 208 a to 208 n may be multiplexed to provide connections to multiple wired peripheral buses 106 a to 106 n .
- a network connection 210 further couples to and communicates with the controller 200 to allow the automation device 118 to exchange information and data with the management level network 102 and/or the automation level network 104 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an expanded view of the controller 200 configured to implement and utilize the dynamic configuration tool and principles disclosed herein.
- the exemplary controller 200 includes the processor 202 and the memory 204 arranged in communication with the processor 202 .
- the memory 204 stores processor-executable instructions and software that includes a library 300 containing code, instructions and data that provide services to one or more stored user applications 302 a to 302 n .
- the stored user applications 302 a to 302 n include or are configured to generate, for example, a web server 302 a configured to allow for user interaction and control of the controller 200 and the automation device 118 .
- the stored user applications 302 b may be a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) process that controls the operation of the physical plant elements and other mechanical equipment operable within a building.
- HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- the stored applications may further include a supervisory application 304 that is configured to communicate, control, monitor and assemble the user applications 302 a to 302 n .
- the supervisory application 304 may be configured to coordinate activities and operations performed by each of the stored user applications 302 a to 302 n .
- the coordination provided by the supervisory application may include, but is not limited to, error handling, information and data management, runtime order execution and other tasks necessary to smooth operation of the controller 200 .
- other user applications 302 a to 302 n may be stored or utilized in connection with the wired field devices 122 and/or wireless field devices 124
- the user application 302 b includes a dynamic configuration tool 450 (see FIG. 4 ) in communication with a configuration file 450 .
- the configuration file 450 identifies, defines and organizes one or more leaf component 480 (individually identified as leaf components 480 a to 480 n ) stored in a library 300 defined within the memory 204 and accessible by the processor 202 and the dynamic configuration tool 450 .
- the leaf component 480 may be stored externally to the controller 200 in an accessible memory location on, for example, one of the networks 102 and 104 .
- the dynamic configuration tool 450 accesses and reads the information, variables and set-up information contained within the configuration file 460 and pulls or otherwise accesses the one or more leaf component 480 stored in the library 300 .
- the dynamic configuration tool 450 further utilizes the set-up information provided by the configuration file 460 to construct and assemble the user application 302 b
- the memory 204 further includes one or more exemplary system application 306 .
- the system application(s) 306 include one or more tools and algorithms that provide and control the baseline functionality of the automation device 118 operable within the building control system 100 .
- the system application 306 may operate as an event logger, a runtime clock or timer or provide any other functionality common to the operation of the automation device 118 .
- the memory 204 further supports and stores processor-executable instructions and software that defines an operating system kernel or core 308 and an abstraction layer and interface 310 .
- the abstraction layer and interface 310 provides structured communication and access between the applications 302 to 306 and the operating system kernel or core 308 .
- the operating system kernel or core 308 in turn, establishes a bridge between applications 302 to 306 and the actual data processing done at the processor 202 .
- a hardware interface and set of drivers 312 supported and stored in the memory 204 is a hardware interface and set of drivers 312 .
- a hardware abstraction layer 314 provides for structured communication and access between the hardware drivers 312 and the applications 302 to 306 .
- the hardware drivers 312 provide for interaction and control of one or more external hardware devices such as, for example, the wired devices 122 a to 122 n , the wireless field devices 124 a to 124 n and the like.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the user application 302 b as defined by the configuration file 460 and assembled by the dynamic configuration tool 450 .
- the user application 302 b represents an HVAC process.
- the user application 302 b (referred to hereinafter as the user application 302 ) may be any process or application utilized in the operation of an automation device.
- the user application 302 includes a network connection port 410 that establishes a virtual/logical data connection that can be accessed to directly exchange information and data with other elements of the automation device 118 and/or the management level network 102 and automation level network 104 via the network connection 210 .
- the user application 302 includes a local HMI port 406 to exchange information via the local HMI connection 206 .
- One or more wired peripheral bus ports 408 a to 408 n for communication with corresponding wired peripheral buses 106 a to 106 n via connections 208 a to 208 n may be defined in this configuration of the user application 302 .
- the configuration file 460 defines and structure and elements of the user application 302 which is, in turn, utilized by the dynamic configuration tool 450 to assemble the application.
- the dynamic configuration tool 450 activates upon initialization of the automation device 118 and the controller 200 and reads or otherwise processes the information contained within the configuration file 460 .
- the configuration file 460 and the dynamic configuration tool 450 may, in turn, be identified by a supervisory file provided by the supervisory user application 304 in response to the power-up and/or activation of the automation device 118 and the controller 200 . Execution of the supervisory user application 304 may involve reading an exemplary supervisory file such as the one shown in Appendix A.
- the exemplary supervisory file determines if the user application to be started is the HVAC user application 302 b (HVAC_APP) and assigns a unique identification (DEVICE_ID) to the user application 302 .
- the exemplary supervisory file furthers determines if a custom configuration file (i.e., the configuration file 460 in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) has been specified or if a default configuration should be utilized.
- the configuration file 460 can generally be any structured data file such as, for example, an extensible mark-up language (XML) file, that provides a detailed description of the components, elements and the interactions therebetween necessary to define the user application 302 .
- XML extensible mark-up language
- the configuration file 460 may identify and define one or more of the specific leaf components 480 stored in the library 300 that provide the basic functions or functionality required by the user application 302 .
- the configuration file 460 can further define and specify one or more composed components 490 constructed or assembled from individual leaf components 480 and other tools or functionality.
- Composed components 490 build upon the basic functionality of leaf components 480 to create elements and tools with increased complexity and capabilities.
- the dynamic configuration tool 450 and the configuration file 460 are further in communication with a component registrator 470 that verifies the specified set-up and configuration of each composed component 490 . Once a leaf component 480 is registered and verified by the registrator 470 , its ready for use by the dynamic configuration tool 450 .
- Individual leaf components 480 may be defined and generated using any native programming language such as, for example, C++ or other known or later developed programming language. As previously discussed, each leaf component 480 can be designed and programmed to provide a specific functionality such as: providing or establishing an input-output (IO) channel; defining an observation or monitoring element, establishing a message generation element or any other programmable element for control and monitoring of the user application 302 .
- IO input-output
- the configuration file 460 describes the leaf component 480 as well as the interconnections (both input and outputs) that may be established between other basic components 480 and/or composed components 490 .
- the illustrated exemplary leaf component 480 includes a pair of provided variables or values 482 and 484 defined and established within the structure of the configuration filed 460 and a pair of required variables or inputs 486 and 488 .
- the required variables or inputs 486 and 488 represent data and/or information that must be available to the component 480 in order to initialize and/or operate.
- the required variable 488 of the leaf component 480 is shown in communication with a provided variable 492 (one of two provided variable 492 and 494 of the composed component 490 ).
- configuration file 460 lays out the elements of a leaf component named IOCommon and defines a parameter named Debugmask as having a value of zero.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a composed component 490 defined by a composed component configuration file 500 that identifies the individual leaf components 502 to 506 upon which it is constructed.
- an instance of the dynamic configurator tool 512 can read or access the composed component configuration file 500 and assemble the desired structure of the composes component 490 .
- configuration files can be defined and utilized to assemble successively more detailed architectures without the need to store and maintain the entire resulting application.
- the library 300 simply stores the basic components or building blocks of an application and the dynamic configuration tool 450 , 512 can assemble the desired application according to the instructions laid out in the configuration file 460 , 500 .
- each composed component 490 may be defined by its own structured data configuration file 500 and may constitute a new instance of the composed component 490 .
- each instance is treated and identified as an independent component and element of the application. This allows components to be reused and re-tasked within the application without creating addressing conflicts.
- the configuration file 500 defining the exemplary composed component 490 further establishes connections 508 a to 508 n to the wired peripheral ports 408 a to 408 n from each of the leaf components 502 to 506 , respectively.
- Each of the illustrated leaf components 502 to 506 includes a required interface 502 a to 506 a coupled to a common provided interface 510 b of the leaf component 510 .
- the leaf components 502 to 506 in this exemplary embodiment, are shown to include the provided interfaces 502 b , 502 c , 504 b , 504 c , 506 b and 506 c , respectively. These interfaces represent variables and values that are provided as a part of the definition of the configuration file 500 .
- the leaf component 510 is shown to receive and/or duplicate the provided variable 492 at the provided variable 510 a .
- the composed component configuration file 500 establishes the connections and interfaces between the embedded leaf component and defines any parameters or values necessary for the initialization of the leaf components.
- the component registrator 470 works with each of the leaf components 480 to ensure the components are fully defined and available for use at startup and during operation.
- the registration process offered by the component registrator 470 receives a registration request for each leaf component 480 and sets a flag indicating a valid registration.
- a composed component configuration file 500 represents and defines a composed component named DetachedIO.
- the composed component DetachedIO includes and comprises two leaf components IOHandler and IOCommon (discussed above in Table 1).
- the configuration file defines the order in which the configuration, preparation and startup sequences are initiated for each of the embedded components. Once the sequences are defined, the configuration file defines a data connection between the embedded components IOHandler and IOCommon.
- a connection named IODataAccess originates at the IOHander component and is connected to a second connection named IODataAccessDetached at the embedded leaf component IOCommon.
- the configuration defines a port named CIMI and establishes a connection to IOHandler.
- the configuration file might state or define:
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process ( 600 ) by which one of the dynamic configuration tools 450 and 512 and the configuration files 460 and 500 can initiate and cooperate to define portions of the user application 302 .
- the assembly and definition process initiates, as discussed above, with the definition of one or more configuration files.
- the configuration files define and identify the leaf components and the composed components to be utilized in the control and operation of the automation device ( 602 ).
- One example of a configuration file detailing the configuration and construction of a user application is illustrated in Appendix B.
- the exemplary user application is identified as “User_Application_One” and is defined in a structured XML format.
- the resulting file or files are transferred to a bootable storage location within the automation device accessible by the supervisory user application and associated supervisory file.
- the configuration files are stored in a bootable location and associated with the dynamic configurator tool for use as the automation device is being configured for operation ( 604 ).
- the dynamic configuration tool activates when the automation device is power-cycled or initialized for operation ( 606 ).
- the supervisory file as shown in Appendix A may activate and identify the configuration file that defines the User_Application_One application shown in Appendix B.
- the configuration files are read and the specified and defined leaf components are imported from a memory location or library accessible by the dynamic configuration tool ( 608 ).
- the imported leaf components may, in turn, be utilized by the dynamic configuration tool to construct one or more composed components as defined and specified by the configuration files ( 610 ).
- Appendix C illustrates an example of a composed component configuration file that may be defined and structured to generate the composed component called “Cn_DetachedIO”.
- the specified leaf and composed components form the elements or basis of the user application (see Appendix B) to be executed by the automation device. Once the elements of the user application have been fully defined and configured, the automation device starts and begins executing the desired user application ( 612 ).
- the startup and configuration process of the leaf and composed components may be thought of as occurring in three distinct steps that ensure that each component is initiated in a consistent and secure manner.
- the first step involves configuring each leaf component to ensure that the provided interfaces have been established and are functioning correctly and that any static connections have been established between the components.
- configuration of the composed components begins by establishing the necessary static connections between the leaf components that make-up the composed component.
- the next step prepares the components for operation by restoring any persistent data stored in memory, establishing any required data structures and creating any objects necessary for the controller to start the user application.
- the final step starts the individual components and establishes communications between the received and provided interfaces defined for each leaf and composed component.
- DebugPrint “StartApplication $APP_PATH/$1 $CONFIG_FILE_PATH $CONFIG_FILE_NAME” ./$1 $CONFIG_FILE_PATH $CONFIG_FILE_NAME & else ./$1 & fi
- COMPOSED COMPONENT CONFIGURATION FILE SETS FORTH THE STRUCTURE, COMPONENTS, VARIABLES AND INTERACTIONS FOR A COMPOSED COMPONENT CALLED “CN_DETACHEDIO”.
- COMPOSED COMPONENT CONFIGURATION FILE SETS FORTH EACH OF THE INDIVIDUAL LEAF COMPONENTS USED TO CONSTRUCT THE COMPOSED COMPONENT CALLED “CN_DETACHEDIO”.
Abstract
Description
- This patent document claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 365 and all other benefits from PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2011/054240, filed Sep. 30, 2011, titled: “Tool and Method For Dynamic Configuration and Implementation of Device Firmware Utilizing Defined Components,” the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by law.
- This patent document generally relates to building automation systems and devices and more particularly to a tool and method for configuring, upgrading and interacting with one or more building automation devices adapted for operation within a building automation system.
- Known building automation systems are typically designed to monitor, report and control the environmental and/or safety conditions within a structure. For example, in order to maintain the temperature at a desired set point, the building automation system may drive one or more environmental control devices to a steady state condition centered on the set point. In order to perform this task, one or more building automation devices must be programmed and/or configured with firmware that provides the instructions and parameters necessary to achieve the desired functionality.
- Building automation systems often employ a large number of these building automation devices in order to perform the required monitoring and control functions for a structure and/or a group of structures. Each of these individual building automation devices or class of building automation devices, in turn, requires firmware and configuration to ensure operation and to provide the desired functionality. The firmware utilized by these building automation devices is configured as a single interconnected block of instruction making it difficult to modify any given portion. For example, in order to add or change functionality of one of the building automation devices, the entire firmware package must typically be modified and uploaded. The large number of devices operating within the building automation system further exacerbates this limitation. Thus, in order to implement any desired firmware customization numerous variants of firmware that must be tracked and maintained by the user to address the differences in device vendors or capabilities.
- In one embodiment, a method of dynamic configuration of a device is disclosed. The method includes: defining a configuration file related to the functionality of the device wherein the configuration file identifies one or more standardized components stored in communication with the device; transferring the configuration file to a dynamic configurator tool operable within the device; initializing the device according to the dynamic configurator tool and the configuration file wherein the dynamic configurator tool retrieves the one or more standardized components identified by the configuration file; generating an executable file for the device based on the one or more standardized components identified by the configuration file; and operating the device utilizing the generated executable file.
- In another embodiment, a controller configured to implement a dynamically configured user application to operate a building automation device for use in a building automation system is disclosed. The controller includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory is configured to store processor-executable instructions which are, in turn, configured to: receive, at the building automation device, a configuration file that identifies a leaf component stored in communication with the building automation device; initiate a dynamic configuration tool, wherein the dynamic configuration tool retrieves the leaf component identified by the configuration file from an accessible store location and configures the leaf component for operation according to the definitions provided in the configuration file; generate an executable file for implementation by the building automation device based on at least the leaf component; and execute the building automation device utilizing the generated executable file.
- In yet another embodiment, a method of configuring a building automation device for use in a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes: storing a defined configuration file in a building automation device wherein the configuration file is accessible by a dynamic configurator tool; activating the dynamic configurator tool wherein the dynamic configurator tool retrieves and configures the at least one standardized component defined by the configuration file; generating a user application for execution by the building automation device wherein the user application is based on the at least one standardized component; and operating the building automation device utilizing the generated user application.
- Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination. Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary building automation system configured to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary device operable within the building automation system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary controller configured to implement the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary application assembled utilizing an exemplary dynamic configuration tool; and -
FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary application assembled utilizing an exemplary dynamic configuration tool; and -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing the operation of the dynamic configurator tool and system. - The disclosed tool, method and system for dynamically configuring and upgrading automation devices within a building automation system provides solutions and capabilities in excess of the known systems described above. For example, the disclosed tool, method and system provide a streamlined process for updating the firmware and software executing on one or more automation devices. Specifically, utilizing the disclosed dynamic configurator tool allows for discrete updating of the firmware and software to include bug fixes, additional features or any other desired upgrade without the need to generate (and maintain) an entire block of firmware and software. The flexibility afforded by the disclosed dynamic configurator tool provides a mechanism and method by which a wide range of devices may be supported and configured. Moreover, the disclosed dynamic configurator tool is scalable across systems of varying sizes and complexities without compromising the flexibility and maintainability inherently provided.
- The disclosed method and system for configuring and upgrading automation devices utilize well-defined components having equally well-defined interfaces. The strict definitions under which these components are constructed allow the dynamic configuration tool to select, configure and interact with individual components based on the definition and structure provided by a configuration file. The structure of the configuration file provides a mechanism by which individual components can be assembled and combined to create one or more new compound or composed components. Upon assembly by the dynamic configuration tool, the components form the firmware and instructions to be executed by the automation devices.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplarybuilding control system 100 that may incorporate and implement the tool and method for dynamic configuration disclosed herein. Theexemplary control system 100 may be the APOGEE® building management system provided by Siemens Industry Inc., Building Technologies Division (“Siemens”). Thecontrol system 100 includes a management level network (MLN) 102 in communication with both an automation level network (ALN) 104 and a peripheral or field level network (FLN) 106. In the present example, thefield level network 106 further includes multiple wiredperipheral buses 106 a to 106 n. - The exemplary
management level network 102 is shown in communication with one or more workstation orterminal 108. Theworkstation 108 may be an INSIGHT® Advanced Workstation provided by Siemens and may be configured to interface with and provide user controls to thebuilding control system 100. Theworkstation 108 may further provide scheduling and operational control of the various mechanical and electrical equipment coupled to thebuilding control system 100. Information, data and alert generated throughout thebuilding control system 100 may be communicated via thenetworks 102 to 106 for compilation and analysis at theworkstation 108. Additional workstations may access and share information received and stored by theworkstation 108 for greater flexibility. - The
building control system 100 may further be accessed via aweb interface 110 such as an APOGEE GO® for INSIGHT® interface provided by Siemens. Theweb interface 110 provides a clientless means of accessing and viewing critical information gathered by thebuilding control system 100. Theweb interface 110 may, in one or more embodiments, remotely control device and elements of thebuilding control system 100 in real or near-real time over the Intranet or Internet. The functionality provided by theweb interface 110 includes, but is not limited to, monitoring alarms, overriding and establishing command set points and other control parameters, creating and editing operation schedules and reporting functionality. - A
wireless interface 112 may further be utilized to provide access to thebuilding control system 100 and theworkstation 108. Thewireless interface 112 may, in one exemplary embodiment, utilize IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) protocol to communicate and interface with theautomation level network 102. Thewireless interface 112 provides additional configuration and set-up flexibility to thebuilding control system 100 by eliminating the need to provide a physical network infrastructure to access theautomation level network 102 or other element of thebuilding control system 100. - Other human machine interfaces (HMI) 114 and reduced function
human machine interfaces 116 may further be utilized to provide access and control to one or more functions of thebuilding control system 100. Theseinterfaces building control system 100. In another embodiment, theseinterfaces building control system 100 either directly or through theworkstation 108 and/or theweb interface 110. - The
automation level network 104 couples to and is in communication with multiple field panels orautomation devices 118 a to 118 n. The field panels may be a PXC Compact and/or a PXC Modular field panels provided by Siemens. Theautomation devices 118 a to 118 n may be configured to receive and organize signals exchanged betweenwired field devices 122 a to 122 n and translate, those signals into data for communication to, for example, theworkstation 108. The exemplarywired field devices 122 a to 122 n may be sensors, actuators, drives, equipment controllers and other building control devices or sensors. In this configuration, data from thesefield devices 122 a to 122 n can be instantly viewable, programmable and actionable at theworkstation 108 and/or via theweb interface 110. - The
automation level network 104 further includes or communicates with awireless field panel 120 arranged to wirelessly communicate with one or morewireless field devices 124 a to 124 n. Similar to thewired field devices 122 a to 122 n, thewireless field devices 124 a to 124 n may be sensors, actuators, drives, equipment controllers and other building control devices or sensors. Theautomation device 118 b, in this exemplary embodiment, includes awireless transceiver 126 allowing it to act as a wireless bridge between the wired infrastructure of theautomation level network 104 and one or more of thewireless field device 124 a to 124 n. - The
wireless field panel 120 and/or theautomation device 118 b may cooperate to establish a wirelessfield level network 128 portion of thefield level network 106. In one embodiment, the wirelessfield level network 128 may be an independent network in communication with theautomation level network 104 and themanagement level network 102. In yet another embodiment, the wirelessfield level network 128 may be a sub-network and an integral portion of thefield level network 106. - The wireless
field level network 128 may be established as a wireless mesh network consisting one or more nodes or groups ofwireless field device 124 a to 124 n that communicate to each other via wireless links that are independent of thewireless field panel 120. The mesh configuration provides a wirelessfield level network 128 that offers enhanced flexibility and redundancy by enabling information or signals to hop among different paths between thewireless field device 124 a to 124 n before reaching thewireless field panel 120 orautomation device 118 b. The redundant communication paths enable a high level of reliability by allowing to thenetwork 128 to adjust to potential communication link disruptions. Thewireless field device 124 a to 124 n may be, for example, IEEE 802.15.4 (ZIGBEE®) compliant devices. - Herein, the phrases “coupled with”, “in communication with” and “connected to” are defined to mean components arranged to directly or indirectly exchange information, data and commands through one or more intermediate components. The intermediate components may include both hardware and software based components. Similarly, the phrase “operatively coupled” is defined to mean two or more devices configured to share resources or information either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate components.
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FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of theautomation device 118 a configured to implement and utilized the dynamic configuration tool and principles disclosed herein. In this exemplary embodiment, theautomation device 118 a (referred to hereinafter as simply the automation device 118) includes acontroller 200. Thecontroller 200 includes aprocessor 202, such as, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics-processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor hardware may incorporate one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. - The
controller 200 includes amemory 204 coupled to and/or in communication with theprocessor 202. Thememory 204 can be divided or segmented into, for example, a main memory, a static memory, and a dynamic memory. Thememory 204 includes, but may not be limited to, computer readable storage media and various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media such as: random access memory (RAM) 204 a; read-only memory (ROM) 204 b; programmable read-only memory; electrically programmable read-only memory; electrically erasable read-only memory; flash memory; magnetic tape or disk; optical media and the like (collectively identified by thereference numeral 204 c). In one configuration, thememory 204 includes a cache or random access memory for theprocessor 202. Alternatively, or in addition to, thememory 204 may be system memory that is separated and/or distinct from theprocessor 202. - The
memory 204 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc (“CD”), digital video disc (“DVD”), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus (“USB”) memory device, or any other device operative to store data. Thememory 204 is configured to store processor-executable instructions utilizable by theprocessor 202. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the functions, acts or tasks described may be performed by theprocessor 202 executing instructions stored in thememory 204. The functions, acts or tasks may be independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like. - The
controller 200 may further communicate with alocal HMI connection 206. Thelocal HMI connection 206 is, in turn, configured to connect to and couple with a display (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. Thelocal HMI connection 206 may further couple to and communicate with an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a touchscreen, touchpad or the like. The display acts as a visual interface for the user to see the functioning of theprocessor 202 and interact with the software including the processor-executable instructions stored in thememory 204. The input device provides a means by which the user can interact with and control the functioning of theprocessor 202 based on commands to the software including the processor-executable instructions stored in thememory 204. - The
controller 200 may further communicate with wiredperipheral bus connections 208 a to 208 n associated with the one or more multiple wiredperipheral buses 106 a to 106 n. Theseconnections 208 a to 208 n can provide a one-for-one connection for each of the wiredperipheral buses 106 a to 106 n. In another embodiment, eachconnection 208 a to 208 n may be multiplexed to provide connections to multiple wiredperipheral buses 106 a to 106 n. Anetwork connection 210 further couples to and communicates with thecontroller 200 to allow the automation device 118 to exchange information and data with themanagement level network 102 and/or theautomation level network 104. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an expanded view of thecontroller 200 configured to implement and utilize the dynamic configuration tool and principles disclosed herein. As previously discussed, theexemplary controller 200 includes theprocessor 202 and thememory 204 arranged in communication with theprocessor 202. Thememory 204 stores processor-executable instructions and software that includes alibrary 300 containing code, instructions and data that provide services to one or more storeduser applications 302 a to 302 n. The storeduser applications 302 a to 302 n include or are configured to generate, for example, aweb server 302 a configured to allow for user interaction and control of thecontroller 200 and the automation device 118. In another embodiment, the storeduser applications 302 b may be a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) process that controls the operation of the physical plant elements and other mechanical equipment operable within a building. - The stored applications may further include a
supervisory application 304 that is configured to communicate, control, monitor and assemble theuser applications 302 a to 302 n. For example, thesupervisory application 304 may be configured to coordinate activities and operations performed by each of the storeduser applications 302 a to 302 n. The coordination provided by the supervisory application may include, but is not limited to, error handling, information and data management, runtime order execution and other tasks necessary to smooth operation of thecontroller 200. In alternate embodiments and configurationsother user applications 302 a to 302 n may be stored or utilized in connection with the wired field devices 122 and/or wireless field devices 124 - In the illustrated embodiment, the
user application 302 b includes a dynamic configuration tool 450 (seeFIG. 4 ) in communication with aconfiguration file 450. Theconfiguration file 450 identifies, defines and organizes one or more leaf component 480 (individually identified asleaf components 480 a to 480 n) stored in alibrary 300 defined within thememory 204 and accessible by theprocessor 202 and thedynamic configuration tool 450. Alternatively, theleaf component 480 may be stored externally to thecontroller 200 in an accessible memory location on, for example, one of thenetworks dynamic configuration tool 450 accesses and reads the information, variables and set-up information contained within theconfiguration file 460 and pulls or otherwise accesses the one ormore leaf component 480 stored in thelibrary 300. Thedynamic configuration tool 450 further utilizes the set-up information provided by theconfiguration file 460 to construct and assemble theuser application 302 b - The
memory 204 further includes one or moreexemplary system application 306. The system application(s) 306 include one or more tools and algorithms that provide and control the baseline functionality of the automation device 118 operable within thebuilding control system 100. For example, thesystem application 306 may operate as an event logger, a runtime clock or timer or provide any other functionality common to the operation of the automation device 118. - The
memory 204 further supports and stores processor-executable instructions and software that defines an operating system kernel orcore 308 and an abstraction layer andinterface 310. The abstraction layer andinterface 310 provides structured communication and access between theapplications 302 to 306 and the operating system kernel orcore 308. The operating system kernel orcore 308, in turn, establishes a bridge betweenapplications 302 to 306 and the actual data processing done at theprocessor 202. - Similarly, supported and stored in the
memory 204 is a hardware interface and set ofdrivers 312. Ahardware abstraction layer 314 provides for structured communication and access between thehardware drivers 312 and theapplications 302 to 306. Thehardware drivers 312 provide for interaction and control of one or more external hardware devices such as, for example, thewired devices 122 a to 122 n, thewireless field devices 124 a to 124 n and the like. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of theuser application 302 b as defined by theconfiguration file 460 and assembled by thedynamic configuration tool 450. In this exemplary embodiment, theuser application 302 b represents an HVAC process. However, in other embodiments, theuser application 302 b (referred to hereinafter as the user application 302) may be any process or application utilized in the operation of an automation device. In this embodiment, theuser application 302 includes anetwork connection port 410 that establishes a virtual/logical data connection that can be accessed to directly exchange information and data with other elements of the automation device 118 and/or themanagement level network 102 andautomation level network 104 via thenetwork connection 210. Similarly, theuser application 302 includes alocal HMI port 406 to exchange information via thelocal HMI connection 206. One or more wiredperipheral bus ports 408 a to 408 n for communication with corresponding wiredperipheral buses 106 a to 106 n viaconnections 208 a to 208 n may be defined in this configuration of theuser application 302. - In operation, the
configuration file 460 defines and structure and elements of theuser application 302 which is, in turn, utilized by thedynamic configuration tool 450 to assemble the application. For example, thedynamic configuration tool 450 activates upon initialization of the automation device 118 and thecontroller 200 and reads or otherwise processes the information contained within theconfiguration file 460. Theconfiguration file 460 and thedynamic configuration tool 450 may, in turn, be identified by a supervisory file provided by thesupervisory user application 304 in response to the power-up and/or activation of the automation device 118 and thecontroller 200. Execution of thesupervisory user application 304 may involve reading an exemplary supervisory file such as the one shown in Appendix A. The exemplary supervisory file determines if the user application to be started is theHVAC user application 302 b (HVAC_APP) and assigns a unique identification (DEVICE_ID) to theuser application 302. The exemplary supervisory file furthers determines if a custom configuration file (i.e., theconfiguration file 460 inFIGS. 3 and 4 ) has been specified or if a default configuration should be utilized. - Once the supervisory file identifies the
user application 302 and theconfiguration file 460 for activation and execution, theconfiguration tool 450 reads the set-up and definition information contained within theconfiguration file 460. Theconfiguration file 460 can generally be any structured data file such as, for example, an extensible mark-up language (XML) file, that provides a detailed description of the components, elements and the interactions therebetween necessary to define theuser application 302. For example, theconfiguration file 460 may identify and define one or more of thespecific leaf components 480 stored in thelibrary 300 that provide the basic functions or functionality required by theuser application 302. Theconfiguration file 460 can further define and specify one or morecomposed components 490 constructed or assembled fromindividual leaf components 480 and other tools or functionality. - Composed
components 490 build upon the basic functionality ofleaf components 480 to create elements and tools with increased complexity and capabilities. Thedynamic configuration tool 450 and theconfiguration file 460 are further in communication with acomponent registrator 470 that verifies the specified set-up and configuration of each composedcomponent 490. Once aleaf component 480 is registered and verified by theregistrator 470, its ready for use by thedynamic configuration tool 450. -
Individual leaf components 480 may be defined and generated using any native programming language such as, for example, C++ or other known or later developed programming language. As previously discussed, eachleaf component 480 can be designed and programmed to provide a specific functionality such as: providing or establishing an input-output (IO) channel; defining an observation or monitoring element, establishing a message generation element or any other programmable element for control and monitoring of theuser application 302. - Returning to
FIG. 4 , theconfiguration file 460 describes theleaf component 480 as well as the interconnections (both input and outputs) that may be established between otherbasic components 480 and/or composedcomponents 490. For example, the illustratedexemplary leaf component 480 includes a pair of provided variables orvalues inputs inputs component 480 in order to initialize and/or operate. In the example, the requiredvariable 488 of theleaf component 480 is shown in communication with a provided variable 492 (one of two provided variable 492 and 494 of the composed component 490). - One example of a
configuration file 460 lays out the elements of a leaf component named IOCommon and defines a parameter named Debugmask as having a value of zero. The exemplary configuration file states: -
TABLE 1 Basic or Leaf Component Configuration Definition <LeafComponent_Name = IOCommon> <LeadComponentParameter = DeBugMask, ParameterType = Long, ParameterValue = 0/> </LeafComponent> -
FIG. 5 illustrates a composedcomponent 490 defined by a composedcomponent configuration file 500 that identifies theindividual leaf components 502 to 506 upon which it is constructed. In this manner, an instance of thedynamic configurator tool 512 can read or access the composedcomponent configuration file 500 and assemble the desired structure of thecomposes component 490. By defining the software and/or firmware in this manner, configuration files can be defined and utilized to assemble successively more detailed architectures without the need to store and maintain the entire resulting application. Instead, thelibrary 300 simply stores the basic components or building blocks of an application and thedynamic configuration tool configuration file component 490 are required and defined within theconfiguration file 460, then each composedcomponent 490 may be defined by its own structureddata configuration file 500 and may constitute a new instance of the composedcomponent 490. In this way, if the composedcomponent 490 is defined or used multiple times within theuser application 302, each instance is treated and identified as an independent component and element of the application. This allows components to be reused and re-tasked within the application without creating addressing conflicts. - The
configuration file 500 defining the exemplary composedcomponent 490 further establishesconnections 508 a to 508 n to the wiredperipheral ports 408 a to 408 n from each of theleaf components 502 to 506, respectively. Each of the illustratedleaf components 502 to 506 includes a requiredinterface 502 a to 506 a coupled to a common providedinterface 510 b of theleaf component 510. Moreover, theleaf components 502 to 506, in this exemplary embodiment, are shown to include the providedinterfaces configuration file 500. - In this exemplary embodiment, the
leaf component 510 is shown to receive and/or duplicate the provided variable 492 at the provided variable 510 a. As with theconfiguration file 460, the composedcomponent configuration file 500 establishes the connections and interfaces between the embedded leaf component and defines any parameters or values necessary for the initialization of the leaf components. - As previously described, the
component registrator 470 works with each of theleaf components 480 to ensure the components are fully defined and available for use at startup and during operation. The registration process offered by thecomponent registrator 470 receives a registration request for eachleaf component 480 and sets a flag indicating a valid registration. - One exemplary embodiment of a composed
component configuration file 500 represents and defines a composed component named DetachedIO. The composed component DetachedIO includes and comprises two leaf components IOHandler and IOCommon (discussed above in Table 1). The configuration file defines the order in which the configuration, preparation and startup sequences are initiated for each of the embedded components. Once the sequences are defined, the configuration file defines a data connection between the embedded components IOHandler and IOCommon. In particular, a connection named IODataAccess originates at the IOHander component and is connected to a second connection named IODataAccessDetached at the embedded leaf component IOCommon. In a similar manner, the configuration defines a port named CIMI and establishes a connection to IOHandler. When this information is stated in structured data format of the configuration file, the configuration file might state or define: -
TABLE 2 Configuration Definition of an Exemplary Composed Component Including Two Embedded Leaf Components. <Componentname Name=”DetachedIO” /> <Embeddedcomponents> <Leafcomponent Name=“IOHandler”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“IOCommon”> <LeafComponent_Name = IOCommon> <LeadComponentParameter = DeBugMask, ParameterType = Long, ParameterValue = 0/> </LeafComponent> </Embeddedcomponents> <Configuresequence> <Name>IOHandler</Name> <Name>IOCommon</Name> </Configuresequence> <Preparesequence> <Name>IOHandler</Name> <Name>IOCommon</Name> </Preparesequence> <Startupsequence> <Name>IOHandler</Name> <Name>IOCommon</Name> </Startupsequence> <Allstaticconnections> <Connection Providedby=IOHandler” Providedname=“IODataAccess” Requiredby=“IOCommon” Requiredname=“IODataAccessDetached”/> </Allstaticconnections> <Myinterfaces> <Connection Myname=“InstallChannel” Requiredby=“IOCommon”/> </Myinterfaces> <Portdefinitions> <Myport Name=“CIMI” Template=“/opt/sysone/s1exe/bin/cimi.sh”/> </Portdefinitions> <Myports> <Port Name=“CIMI” Connectsto=IOHandler” Port=“CIMI”/> </Myports> </Componentname> -
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process (600) by which one of thedynamic configuration tools user application 302. The assembly and definition process initiates, as discussed above, with the definition of one or more configuration files. The configuration files define and identify the leaf components and the composed components to be utilized in the control and operation of the automation device (602). One example of a configuration file detailing the configuration and construction of a user application is illustrated in Appendix B. The exemplary user application is identified as “User_Application_One” and is defined in a structured XML format. - Once the configuration files for each of the necessary components has been fully defined in the desired structured format, the resulting file or files are transferred to a bootable storage location within the automation device accessible by the supervisory user application and associated supervisory file. In particular, the configuration files are stored in a bootable location and associated with the dynamic configurator tool for use as the automation device is being configured for operation (604).
- The dynamic configuration tool activates when the automation device is power-cycled or initialized for operation (606). For example, when power is applied to an automation device, the supervisory file as shown in Appendix A may activate and identify the configuration file that defines the User_Application_One application shown in Appendix B. Upon activation of the dynamic configuration tool, the configuration files are read and the specified and defined leaf components are imported from a memory location or library accessible by the dynamic configuration tool (608). The imported leaf components may, in turn, be utilized by the dynamic configuration tool to construct one or more composed components as defined and specified by the configuration files (610). Appendix C illustrates an example of a composed component configuration file that may be defined and structured to generate the composed component called “Cn_DetachedIO”. The specified leaf and composed components form the elements or basis of the user application (see Appendix B) to be executed by the automation device. Once the elements of the user application have been fully defined and configured, the automation device starts and begins executing the desired user application (612).
- The startup and configuration process of the leaf and composed components may be thought of as occurring in three distinct steps that ensure that each component is initiated in a consistent and secure manner. As described above, the first step involves configuring each leaf component to ensure that the provided interfaces have been established and are functioning correctly and that any static connections have been established between the components. When the leaf components have been fully configured, configuration of the composed components begins by establishing the necessary static connections between the leaf components that make-up the composed component. The next step prepares the components for operation by restoring any persistent data stored in memory, establishing any required data structures and creating any objects necessary for the controller to start the user application. The final step starts the individual components and establishes communications between the received and provided interfaces defined for each leaf and composed component. In this manner, user applications and firmware may be defined and assembled for each device and component from a library of constituent components stored and accessible within a system. By assembling the desired firmware for each device as it is needed, the capabilities and functionality of a device and application can be modified simply by altering a configuration file and/or a basic component within the library. This mechanism and methodology provide a highly flexible tool for managing and programming devices without requiring the storage and organization of numerous software and firmware versions for each type and version of a device.
- It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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StartApplication( ){ DebugPrint “StartApplication $APP_PATH/$1” cd $APP_PATH if [ $1 = $HVAC_APP ] then DEVICE_ID=‘fs-value /DEV id‘ DebugPrint “StartApplication - Device ID is $DEVICE_ID” -
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if [ $DEVICE_ID = “” ] then CONFIG_FILE_NAME=“Configuration.xml” else CONFIG_FILE_NAME=“Configuration_“$DEVICE_ID”.xml” if [ ! -f $CONFIG_FILE_PATH/$CONFIG_FILE_NAME ] then DebugPrint “StartApplication - No Configuration File Found. Loading $1 with default configuration” CONFIG_FILE_NAME=“Configuration.xml” fi fi -
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DebugPrint “StartApplication $APP_PATH/$1 $CONFIG_FILE_PATH $CONFIG_FILE_NAME” ./$1 $CONFIG_FILE_PATH $CONFIG_FILE_NAME & else ./$1 & fi -
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DebugPrint “StartApplication - Done” return $! } -
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<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“UTF-8”?> <Componentname Name=“User_Application_One” xmlns:xsi=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance” xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation=“../../../../../ DynamicConfigurator/_Documents/Component XMLSchema/ComponentSchema.xsd”> -
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<!--Embedded component section --> <Embeddedcomponents> <Leafcomponent Name=“HMIManager”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“TimeManager”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BAWebUI”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“SibxDataAccess”> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“SibxMetadataFilepath” Parametertype=“STRING” Parametervalue=“/opt/user_app_one/s1exe/ etc/sibxmetadata.xml”/> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“ObjtypeToPrototypeFilepath” Parametertype=“STRING” Parametervalue=“/opt/user_app_one/s1exe/ etc/runtime_defaults.csv”/> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“PrototypeToObjtype” Parametertype=“STRING” Parametervalue=“/opt/user_app_one/s1exe/ etc/runtime_prototype_to_bacnet_obj_type.- csv”/> </Leafcomponent> <Leafcomponent Name=“TestChannel”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“FileManager”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“DBArchive”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“TrendManager”> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“BackfillThreshold” Parametertype=“UINT” Parametervalue=“100”/> </Leafcomponent> <Leafcomponent Name=“ChannelObserverBroker”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“Cn_SARB_TP”> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“DebugMask” Parametertype=“ULONG” Parametervalue=“0”/> </Leafcomponent> <Leafcomponent Name=“BnTcpServer”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“InternalTimer”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“NetworkManagement”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“ComponentTest”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“ThreadInfoServer”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“Diagnostics”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“S1Infrastructure”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“Command”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“S7ExecEngine”> <!-- CPUModeSwitch position setting on cpu start (RUN,RUNP,STOP,RESET)--> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“CPUModeSwitch” Parametertype=“STRING” Parametervalue=“RUNP”/> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“CPURestartModeSwitch” Parametertype=“STRING” Parametervalue=“OB100”/> </Leafcomponent> <Leafcomponent Name=“SystemLogger”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“NotificationManager”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“RecipientManager”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“DataExchange”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“GroupManager”/> <!-- Business Logic primarily used by the web application --> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_Device”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_Ba”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_Pllink”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_Txio” /> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_Dali” /> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_DICP”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_CSML”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“SSALoader”/> <Composedcomponent Name=“Cn_DetachedIO” Template=“Cn_DetachedIO_Configuration.xml”/> <Composedcomponent Name=“DALI” Template=“Cn_DALI_Configuration.xml” /> <Leafcomponent Name=“NodeSetup”/> <Leafcomponent Name=“BI_ConfigureAndLoad”/> </Embeddedcomponents> -
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<!--Configuration sequence section--> <Configuresequence> <Name>HMIManager</Name> <Name>ChannelObserverBroker</Name> <Name>Cn_SARB_TP</Name> <Name>Cn_DetachedIO</Name> <Name>DALI</Name> <Name>TimeManager</Name> <Name>BA_ObjectInfrastructure</Name> <Name>BAWebUI</Name> <Name>SibxDataAccess</Name> <Name>TestChannel</Name> <Name>FileManager</Name> <Name>DBArchive</Name> <Name>TrendManager</Name> <Name>BnTcpServer</Name> <Name>InternalTimer</Name> <Name>NetworkManagement</Name> <Name>ComponentTest</Name> <Name>ThreadInfoServer</Name> <Name>Diagnostics</Name> <Name>S1Infrastructure</Name> <Name>Command</Name> <Name>S7ExecEngine</Name> <Name>SystemLogger</Name> <Name>NotificationManager</Name> <Name>RecipientManager</Name> <Name>DataExchange</Name> <Name>GroupManager</Name> <!-- Business Logic --> <Name>BI_Device</Name> <Name>BI_Ba</Name> <Name>BI_Pllink</Name> <Name>BI_Txio</Name> <Name>BI_Dali</Name> <Name>BI_DICP</Name> <Name>BI_CSML</Name> <Name>SSALoader</Name> <Name>NodeSetup</Name> <Name>BI_ConfigureAndLoad</Name> </Configuresequence> <!--Prepare sequence section --> <Preparesequence> <Name>NodeSetup</Name> <Name>HMIManager</Name> <Name>ChannelObserverBroker</Name> <Name>Cn_SARB_TP</Name> <Name>Cn_DetachedIO</Name> <Name>DALI</Name> <Name>TimeManager</Name> <Name>SibxDataAccess</Name> <Name>BA_ObjectInfrastructure</Name> <Name>BAWebUI</Name> <Name>TestChannel</Name> <Name>FileManager</Name> <Name>DBArchive</Name> <Name>TrendManager</Name> <Name>BnTcpServer</Name> <Name>InternalTimer</Name> <Name>NetworkManagement</Name> <Name>ComponentTest</Name> <Name>ThreadInfoServer</Name> <Name>Diagnostics</Name> <Name>S1Infrastructure</Name> <Name>Command</Name> <Name>S7ExecEngine</Name> <Name>SystemLogger</Name> <Name>NotificationManager</Name> <Name>RecipientManager</Name> <Name>DataExchange</Name> <Name>GroupManager</Name> <!-- Business Logic --> <Name>BI_Device</Name> <Name>BI_Ba</Name> <Name>BI_Pllink</Name> <Name>BI_Txio</Name> <Name>BI_Dali</Name> <Name>BI_DICP</Name> <Name>BI_CSML</Name> <Name>SSALoader</Name> <Name>BI_ConfigureAndLoad</Name> </Preparesequence> -
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<!--Startup sequence section --> <Startupsequence> <Name>HMIManager</Name> <Name>ChannelObserverBroker</Name> <Name>Cn_SARB_TP</Name> <Name>Cn_DetachedIO</Name> <Name>DALI</Name> <Name>TimeManager</Name> <Name>BA_ObjectInfrastructure</Name> <Name>BAWebUI</Name> <Name>SibxDataAccess</Name> <Name>TestChannel</Name> <Name>FileManager</Name> <Name>ComponentTest</Name> <Name>DBArchive</Name> <Name>TrendManager</Name> <Name>BnTcpServer</Name> <Name>InternalTimer</Name> <Name>ThreadInfoServer</Name> <Name>Diagnostics</Name> <Name>S1Infrastructure</Name> <Name>Command</Name> <Name>SystemLogger</Name> <Name>NotificationManager</Name> <Name>RecipientManager</Name> <Name>DataExchange</Name> <Name>GroupManager</Name> <Name>NetworkManagement</Name> <Name>S7ExecEngine</Name> <!-- Business Logic --> <Name>BI_Device</Name> <Name>BI_Ba</Name> <Name>BI_Pllink</Name> <Name>BI_Txio</Name> <Name>BI_Dali</Name> <Name>BI_DICP</Name> <Name>BI_CSML</Name> <Name>SSALoader</Name> <Name>NodeSetup</Name> <Name>BI_ConfigureAndLoad</Name> </Startupsequence> <!--Stop sequence section --> <Stopsequence> <Name>NodeSetup</Name> <Name>SSALoader</Name> <!-- Business Logic --> <Name>BI_CSML</Name> <Name>BI_DICP</Name> <Name>BI_Dali</Name> <Name>BI_Pllink</Name> <Name>BI_Ba</Name> <Name>BI_Device</Name> <Name>S7ExecEngine</Name> <Name>NetworkManagement</Name> <Name>GroupManager</Name> <Name>DataExchange</Name> <Name>RecipientManager</Name> <Name>NotificationManager</Name> <Name>SystemLogger</Name> <Name>Command</Name> <Name>S1Infrastructure</Name> <Name>Diagnostics</Name> <Name>ThreadInfoServer</Name> <Name>InternalTimer</Name> <Name>BnTcpServer</Name> <Name>TrendManager</Name> <Name>DBArchive</Name> <Name>ComponentTest</Name> <Name>FileManager</Name> <Name>TestChannel</Name> <Name>SibxDataAccess</Name> <Name>BAWebUI</Name> <Name>BA_ObjectInfrastructure</Name> <Name>TimeManager</Name> <Name>DALI</Name> <Name>Cn_DetachedIO</Name> <Name>Cn_SARB_TP</Name> <Name>ChannelObserverBroker</Name> <Name>HMIManager</Name> </Stopsequence> -
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<!--Static connection section --> <Allstaticconnections> <Connection Providedname=“AppDatabase” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“S7ExecEngine”/> <Connection Providedname=“AppDatabase” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“BI_Ba”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_Ba”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_Pllink”/> <Connection Providedname=“BaServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Ba” Requiredby=“BI_Pllink”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_Txio”/> <Connection Providedname=“BaServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Ba” Requiredby=“BI_Txio”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_Dali” /> <Connection Providedname=“BaServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Ba” Requiredby=“BI_Dali” /> <Connection Providedname=“BnObjectFactory” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“SibxDataAccess”/> <Connection Providedname=“BnRunTimePrototypes” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“SibxDataAccess”/> <Connection Providedname=“S7BandyCbk” Providedby=“S7ExecEngine” Requiredby=“SibxDataAccess”/> <Connection Providedname=“FieldBus” Providedby=“TestChannel” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“DatabaseArchive” Providedby=“DBArchive” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“BAFileManager” Providedby=“FileManager” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“BI_DICP”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“NetworkManagement”/> <Connection Providedname=“ILEDMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“BI_DICP”/> <Connection Providedname=“IButtonMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“BI_DICP”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnTimeMgr” Providedby=“TimeManager” Requiredby=“BI_DICP”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_DICP”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“BI_Device”/> <Connection Providedname=“S7SrvInf” Providedby=“S7ExecEngine” Requiredby=“BI_Device”/> <Connection Providedname=“S7GrpCbk” Providedby=“S7ExecEngine” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“S7PrgSync” Providedby=“S7ExecEngine” Requiredby=“DBArchive”/> <Connection Providedname=“SibxDatabaseArchive” Providedby=“SibxDataAccess” Requiredby=“DBArchive”/> <Connection Providedname=“BAMetadataAccess” Providedby=“SibxDataAccess” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“InstallChannel” Providedby=“ChannelObserverBroker” Requiredby=“Cn_SARB_TP”/> <Connection Providedname=“ILEDMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“Cn_SARB_TP”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“Cn_SARB_TP”/> <Connection Providedname=“InstallChannel” Providedby=“ChannelObserverBroker” Requiredby=“DALI”> <Connection Providedname=“AppDatabase” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“TestChannel”/> <Connection Providedname=“InstallChannel” Providedby=“ChannelObserverBroker” Requiredby=“TestChannel”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnNetMgmt” Providedby=“NetworkManagement” Requiredby=“RecipientManager”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnNetMgmt” Providedby=“NetworkManagement” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnResMgr” Providedby=“RecipientManager” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnNotificationMgr” Providedby=“Notification Manager” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“ChannelObserverFactory” Providedby=“ChannelObserverBroker” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnCOV” Providedby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure” Requiredby=“NetworkManagement”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“NetworkManagement”/> <Connection Providedname=“InstallChannel” Providedby=“ChannelObserverBroker” Requiredby=“Cn_DetachedIO”/> <Connection Providedname=“ILEDMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“Cn_DetachedIO”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnTimeMgr” Providedby=“TimeManager” Requiredby=“BA_ObjectInfrastructure”/> <Connection Providedname=“ILEDMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“DALI”/> <Connection Providedname=“ILEDMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“S7ExecEngine”/> <Connection Providedname=“IButtonMgr” Providedby=“HMIManager” Requiredby=“DALI” /> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“NodeSetup”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceConfigData” Providedby=“S1Infrastructure” Requiredby=“BI_ConfigureAndLoad”/> <Connection Providedname=“DeviceServiceHandler” Providedby=“BI_Device” Requiredby=“BI_ConfigureAndLoad”/> <Connection Providedname=“IBnTimeMgr” Providedby=“TimeManager” Requiredby=“BI_ConfigureAndLoad”/> -
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</Allstaticconnections> <Portdefinitions> <Myport Name=“SARB_TP” Template=“/opt/user_app_one/s1exe/bin/tpuart.sh”/> </Portdefinitions> <Myports> <Port Name=“SARB_TP” Connectsto=“Cn_SARB_TP” Port=“SARB_TP”/> <Port Name=“DALI-1” Connectsto=“DALI” Port=“DALI-1”/> </Myports> </Componentname> -
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<Componentname Name=“Cn_DetachedIO” xmlns:xsi=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance” xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation=“../../../../../ DynamicConfigurator/_Documents/Component XMLSchema/ComponentSchema.xsd”> -
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<Embeddedcomponents> <Leafcomponent Name=“Cn_TXIOHandler”> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“DebugMask” Parametertype=“ULONG” Parametervalue=“0”/> </Leafcomponent> <Leafcomponent Name=“Cn_IOCommon”> <Leafcomponentparameter Name=“DebugMask” Parametertype=“ULONG” Parametervalue=“0”/> </Leafcomponent> </Embeddedcomponents> -
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<Configuresequence> <Name>Cn_TXIOHandler</Name> <Name>Cn_IOCommon</Name> </Configuresequence> <Preparesequence> <Name>Cn_TXIOHandler</Name> <Name>Cn_IOCommon</Name> </Preparesequence> -
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<Startupsequence> <Name>Cn_TXIOHandler</Name> <Name>Cn_IOCommon</Name> </Startupsequence> -
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<Allstaticconnections> <Connection Providedby=“Cn_TXIOHandler” Providedname=“IIODataAccess” Requiredby=“Cn_IOCommon” Requiredname=“IODataAccessDetached”/> </Allstaticconnections> -
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<Myinterfaces> <Connection Myname=“InstallChannel” Requiredby=“Cn_IOCommon”/> <Connection Myname=“ILEDMgr” Requiredby=“Cn_IOCommon”/> </Myinterfaces> -
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<Portdefinitions> <Myport Name=“CIMI” Template=“/opt/sysone/s1exe/ bin/cimi.sh”/> </Portdefinitions> <Myports> <Port Name=“CIMI” Connectsto=“Cn_TXIOHandler” Port=“CIMI”/> </Myports> </Componentname>
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PCT/US2011/054240 WO2013048440A1 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2011-09-30 | Tool and method for dynamic configuration and implementation of device firmware utilizing defined components |
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WO2013048440A1 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
US9690268B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 |
CN103959709B (en) | 2017-06-20 |
EP2761811B1 (en) | 2018-11-28 |
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